Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 3 February 2026
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Landlord Registration regime, what its position is regarding whether this is functioning as planned, in light of The Highland Council reportedly stating that its officer-level escalation powers have not been exercised over multiple years.
The Landlord Registration regime is established under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, with statutory guidance issued by Scottish Ministers to support local authorities in carrying out their duties.
Local authorities are responsible for administering and enforcing the regime, and the legislation provides a range of enforcement powers that can be used to address non-compliance. It is for each authority to determine the appropriate use of these powers in individual cases.
Decisions on whether to use officer level escalation powers in individual cases lie with the relevant local authority.
We will continue to support local authorities in delivering the regime effectively, and will keep its operation under review to ensure it continues to meet its intended purpose.